Heloise: Flour bags frustrating

Heloise

Dear readers: Here is this week’s sound-off, about flour bags:

“Why can’t flour manufacturers create a bag or other container that is easy to open and close again?

“Many flour canisters aren’t large enough to hold 5 pounds of flour, so the partially full bag must be reclosed and stored. It is so frustrating to grapple with the glued seam to get it unsealed, then try to fold the top part of the bag back down and secure it.” — Peggy in Nebraska

I’m in agreement! Sugar bags are just as frustrating! — Heloise

Dear readers: Here are some other uses for marbles:

■ Put in the bottom of a flower vase for color.

■ Use in a jar as a paperweight or doorstop.

■ Mix in with aquarium rocks.

■ Use at the bottom of a plant pot to hold soil in.

■ Use in craft projects.

— Heloise

Dear Heloise: Are the mattress ads now running about needing to replace your mattress every eight years just a sales ploy to replace your mattress sooner? With the use of sheets, mattress covers, etc., I find it hard to believe what they say in the advertisements. — Pam in Dallas

There really is no set formula for when to buy a new mattress. Just remember to check the manufacturer’s recommended care guidelines and warranty before purchasing a new mattress.

According to the Better Sleep Council (www.bettersleep.org), you should factor in how often the mattress was used and if it was cared for correctly. You also should ask yourself a few key questions, provided by the Council:

■ Are you waking up with aches and pains?

■ Are there obvious signs of wear on your mattress?

■ Is your sleep better or worse than it was a year ago?

If you answered “yes” to any of these, you should look into getting a new mattress. — Heloise

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to 210-HELOISE or email it to heloise@heloise.com.